17 field or greenhouse trials were planted using soils from 9 contaminated & brownfield sites in UK, Italy, Ukraine, Brazil. Samples of 10 different biomass species have been collected, mainly from grassy energy crop species. Significant progress has been made towards optimisation of cultivation and harvesting methods of novel energy crops, such as Phalaris arundinacea (Reed Canary Grass), to facilitate utilisation of contaminated, non-agricultural sites with minimal tillage, soil compaction or surface compost blankets. Additionally, phytoremediation strategies have been developed by comparing different biomass plants, planting and harvesting strategies.
For the Supercritical Water Gasification technology pathway, over 100 experiments were performed, leading to a number of redesigns and re-configurations of the lab-scale plant. The influence of important process parameters was assessed, and optimal values were suggested for a further application. Ultimately a gasification efficiency of up to 100% was achieved in lab-scale conditions. A Membrane Gas Absorption process for acid gas removal from the gas effluent has been developed and tested, demonstrating high process efficiency and stability with long – term tests. A parametric analysis of the Membrane Gas Absorption process has identified the most suitable process conditions either for selective H2S or for combined H2S/CO2 removal. Also, a hybrid electrocoagulation/electrochemical oxidation lab pilot setup has been constructed, determining the effect of different parameters on contaminant removal.
For the reforming stage, the lab-scale experimental setup has been modified, achieving an operational reactor for dry reforming and up to 93% conversion of H2 deficient syngas to biofuels. An operational Fischer Tropsch Synthesis lab-scale experimental setup and a structured catalyst have been developed, identifying the optimal operating conditions and achieving an 84% CO conversion rate and 10% CH4 selectivity.
For the Fast Pyrolysis technology pathway, a new experimental plant with an auger-type reactor has been designed, successfully converting 10 different biomass types with the final lab-plant configuration. An experimental campaign defined the optimal operating conditions of the reactor. Results show that no pre-treatment of biomass is needed. Combustion tests led to the definition of optimal operating condition for pyrolysis gas combustion, and a novel moderate and intense low-oxygen dilution combustion process was tested, successfully allowing the conversion of very low heating value gas (> 7MJ/kg) without the need for pre-heating. 6.5 kg of bio-oil have been produced and used for microfiltration experiments in a microfiltration laboratory pilot unit designed and constructed in house.
A Decision Support System has been developed, incorporating Life Cycle and Supply Chain optimization methodologies. The CERESiS decision support platform aims to provide critical information to decision makers on the suitability of pathways consisting of combinations of energy crops and biofuel conversion technologies for specific applications, and it was also applied in a 5 use cases.
The project outcomes have been extensively communicated and disseminated through several channels, such as 11 open-access journal articles; 31 presentations at international conferences; 9 training and open days; 4 exhibitions and trade fairs etc. An exploitation plan has been prepared.
